Western Australia is considering a landmark speed limit trial that could reduce limits on more than 1,800 roads across the South West. The Safer Speeds Trial, developed by the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the City of Busselton in partnership with RAC, aims to determine whether lower speed limits can reduce the state's rising road toll.
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Key Speed Reduction Proposals
If approved, the trial will cover:
- 550 roads in Augusta Margaret River
- 1,250 roads in Busselton
Speed limit reductions proposed include:
- Rural sealed roads (currently 80–110km/h): reduced to 70–80km/h
- Urban major roads (e.g. Bussell Highway, Bayview Drive): reduced to 50–60km/h
- Residential roads in peri-urban areas (e.g. Quedjinup, Margaret River–Prevelly): reduced to 60km/h
- Town centres and residential streets: reduced to 40km/h where currently signed at 40–50km/h
Implementation could begin as early as mid-2025.
Why the Trial Is Being Considered
From 2019 to 2023:
- 136 people were killed or seriously injured on roads in Busselton
- 59 people were killed or seriously injured in Augusta Margaret River
Supporters argue slower speeds reduce both crash frequency and severity. Public submissions closed in November 2024, with council decisions expected later this year.
Road Safety Efforts in WA
WA remains the only Australian state with a default 110km/h speed limit. Regional areas account for more than 60% of WA road deaths.
Safety initiatives include:
- $1B+ invested since 2020 through the Regional Road Safety Program (10,000km of road upgrades)
- $552M RAC & WALGA proposal to upgrade 8,200km of country roads
- $276M commitment from WA Nationals (if elected)
- $20M expansion of the state safety program (WA Labor)
- $1.38B WA Government and WALGA infrastructure agreement (2023)
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New Multi-Offence Safety Cameras Active
WA recently rolled out multi-offence cameras detecting:
- Speeding
- Mobile phone use
- Seatbelt offences
These AI-powered cameras are active with warnings being issued. Enforcement will begin in April 2025.
Government Response
The WA Government and Main Roads WA support the trial in principle. Any speed limit changes must be:
- Practical
- Enforceable
- Backed by data
Challenges include enforcement in remote areas and roads with light traffic. The Road Safety Council will evaluate funding once the trial is approved, and a wider review of default speed limits is underway.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. For the latest updates, refer to local council or WA Government websites.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
